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Breast cancer genes to aid women | Breast cancer genes to aid women |
(about 4 hours later) | |
Breast cancer patients could be spared unnecessary and lengthy treatment, according to new findings by researchers. | Breast cancer patients could be spared unnecessary and lengthy treatment, according to new findings by researchers. |
Two genes that can identify which cells will respond to a common chemotherapy drug and which will not have been revealed by Aberdeen University staff. | Two genes that can identify which cells will respond to a common chemotherapy drug and which will not have been revealed by Aberdeen University staff. |
It is hoped the findings will help develop more tailored treatments. | It is hoped the findings will help develop more tailored treatments. |
More than 44,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK and 80% of all cases occur in over-50s. | More than 44,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK and 80% of all cases occur in over-50s. |
For the first time we have found two genes that identify which breast cancer cells respond to chemotherapy and which do not respond Dr Andy SchofieldAberdeen University | For the first time we have found two genes that identify which breast cancer cells respond to chemotherapy and which do not respond Dr Andy SchofieldAberdeen University |
The research team said they looked for a specific genetic make-up in breast cancer cells that did not respond to the chemotherapy drug docetaxel. | |
The course is one of the most effective methods of battling the cancer, but does not work for some patients. | The course is one of the most effective methods of battling the cancer, but does not work for some patients. |
The findings involved the study of breast cancer cells grown in the laboratory. | The findings involved the study of breast cancer cells grown in the laboratory. |
'Simple test' | 'Simple test' |
They will now investigate whether the genes they identified behave the same way in patients. | |
Aberdeen University's Dr Andy Schofield, one of the researchers, said many women are suffering side effects for no benefit at all. | Aberdeen University's Dr Andy Schofield, one of the researchers, said many women are suffering side effects for no benefit at all. |
He said: "For the first time we have found two genes that identify which breast cancer cells respond to chemotherapy and which do not respond. | He said: "For the first time we have found two genes that identify which breast cancer cells respond to chemotherapy and which do not respond. |
"We hope that in the future this will mean that before we treat patients with breast cancer with docetaxel, we can predict whether the drug will work or not, using a very simple test." | "We hope that in the future this will mean that before we treat patients with breast cancer with docetaxel, we can predict whether the drug will work or not, using a very simple test." |
'Practical benefits' | |
Rachel Rawson, of Breast Cancer Care, said: "We are still a long way from fully understanding the complex role that genetics plays in the treatment of breast cancer, and how this interacts with or is mediated by other factors. | |
"Breast Cancer Care welcomes any research that furthers our knowledge in this area. | |
"However this is initial research that has only been tested in a laboratory setting. Further studies are needed to fully determine how these findings can be translated into the clinical setting and offer practical benefits for people with breast cancer." | |
Most British women are unaware that breast cancer risk increases with age, a recent poll suggested. | Most British women are unaware that breast cancer risk increases with age, a recent poll suggested. |
A survey of 1,000 people by charity Breast Cancer Care found nearly six out of 10 women did not know getting older was a strong risk factor. | A survey of 1,000 people by charity Breast Cancer Care found nearly six out of 10 women did not know getting older was a strong risk factor. |
Experts said many young women can worry unnecessarily while older women do not realise they are at risk. | Experts said many young women can worry unnecessarily while older women do not realise they are at risk. |
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